DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter

 This shop, DIY Industrial Cooler, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Constellation Brands. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #SummertimeCerveza #CollectiveBias

Today I’m sharing a summer DIY I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I’m excited to show you how to make a DIY Industrial Cooler for less than $7.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

This idea originally came to mind as I was thinking about transforming an outdoor planter into a small patio cooler. But, have you SEEN how much they charge for planters? Even my local thrift store is charging $9.99 for basic, unattractive plastic planters! So, I put on my DIY hat and started brainstorming.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy and disclosures.

I remembered the small cement succulent pots I made for teacher gifts last year, and decided I could scale them up to create something attractive and versatile.

I purchased a plastic bucket and bins from the dollar store as my molds. I mixed up some quick setting cement (I used 3/4 of a 25 lb. package) according to package instructions. I sprayed cooking oil on the inside of the bucket and the outside of the plastic bin, before pouring about an inch into the bottom of my bucket. Then, after inserting the bin and adding a brick weight, began pouring the remainder of my mixture around the edges.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

After pouring all of my mixture, I gently tapped the sides of the bucket to help the mixture settle evenly.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

I let this dry according to package instructions. Then, once dry, I gently began removing the cement from the mold.

I drilled a few drainage holes on the bottom, and I decided to add few castor wheels with industrial adhesive to make moving this container a bit easier. However, you could also use an inexpensive plant dolly, or forget the wheels altogether.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

This is where the small plastic bins come back into play.

To use the cement container as a cooler, simply line it with the plastic bin.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

Then fill it with ice and Corona Light.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

Don’t forget the limes!DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

I love that this cooler is small enough to roll from chair to chair, but large enough that you can top it with a small handheld cutting board.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

When the container is not in use as a cooler, it can be used as a planter.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

Just drill holes into one of the garbage cans for drainage, and fill with potting soil and your favorite plants.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

As you’ve probably noticed by now, Corona Light is my summer beer of choice. It’s got a great, full flavor for only 99 calories – which is important during swimsuit season!DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

With my new cooler fully stocked, all my patio needs this summer is good friends, good food, and some great tunes.DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter for less than $10 | Five Marigolds #SummertimeCerveza #ad

You can save $3.00 on your next purchase of Corona Light when purchasing chips or pretzels. Just head to the Checkout 51 “Beer, Wine, & Spirit” section to get your savings.

 

If you like this post, be sure to check out my giftable cement succulent pots here:

 

11 thoughts on “DIY Industrial Cooler + Convertible Planter

  1. Natalie Aubele says:

    How clever is this !! I love that you added the wheels and that cutting board is so cool ! Where did you get that from ?:)

Comments make my day!